Card Chronicle - All PostsRick Pitino's 6th Favorite Websitehttps://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48327/cardchronicle_fave.png2015-08-02T08:00:02-04:00http://www.cardchronicle.com/rss/current/2015-08-02T08:00:02-04:002015-08-02T08:00:02-04:00The Cardinal Countdown: 34 Days Until Kickoff
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<p>A quick side note before I jump in today. Not sure if it was just a slow news day, the fact that we were exactly 5 weeks from football or a combination of the two, but yesterdays post was one of the most shared posts in the 4 year history of me doing this countdown. Just wanted to say I appreciate it and thanks for checking them out each day.</p>
<p>Back at it.</p>
<p><span>#34 Jeremy Smith <p></p></span></p>
<p><figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " src="https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/efwM_UIw5jCEG9r7ZnVfTbEHTAA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3927876/4efd2155803b75f7b1a068e3e6fce3c4.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<p><span>Class: Sophomore</span></p>
<p><span>Ht/Wt: 6-2/225<p></p></span></p>
<p><span>Position: Running back<p></p></span></p>
<p><span>Hometown: Hammond, CA<p></p></span></p>
<p><span>Twitter: N/A<p></p></span></p>
<p><span>Thoughts: To me, Smith was one of the more exciting additions to the team this past season as the #4 JUCO RB was getting looks from Notre Dame and Alabama before picking UofL last December. Jeremy has the size and strength to play a major factor in the Cards run game taking on the role of a bruiser back compared to that of projected starter Radcliff. (Although, not many are signing up to try and tackle Brandon in the open field either) I found it interesting that to begin the Spring Game Radcliff, Smith and LJ Scott were all part of the RED team. I understand the concept of wanting to see them perform behind the first team O-line, but splitting them up would have allowed for more opportunities and a greater peak into how they matched up against the first team defense. Smith played well for the RED squad with 10 carries for 58 yards and a touchdown, but when he shifted over to the WHITE team his impact was minimal. (4 carries for 6 yards) A combination of second team offensive lineman and going up against a brutal front seven will do that, but that’s probably more reflective of what he’ll see each week in the ACC. If we're calling this "team swap" for Smith a litmus test for both units I think it was </span><span>successful</span><span> in showcasing some areas to improve for both him and the O-line and proving the definsive front is all it's stacked up to be</span><span>.&nbsp;<p></p></span></p>
<p><span>I think Jeremy will surprise some people during fall camp and the three headed monster (possibly four is Malin Jones plays well) is going to be tough to gameplan for this season. Radcliff emerged as a true starter last year and he will not give that role up, but we all know how Petrino spreads the love when it comes to ball carriers and as we saw last year, how you perform in practice plays a huge role into who gets the touches (Dom Brown disappearance). Even if Smith doesn’t go crazy this year with the stable of backs we currently have he still has another two years of eligibility left and could become extremely important in the seasons to come. Without a doubt he is one to watch for moving forward. <p></p></span></p>
<p><span>If you don’t want to watch all 6 minutes of highlight tape, fast forward to about 2:10 and check out that run. That’s one reason he’s on campus.<p></p></span></p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/4249079/highlights/207959396"></iframe></p>
<p><span>Sweet Tweet: Smith used to have a twitter account (@ ChauniW) but I believe it is no longer active. This of course got me thinking about things I used to rely on but are no longer “active” in my everyday life. The big one that jumps out to me are home phones. I realize they are still in use but not as </span><span>prominent</span><span> as before. I felt like it was almost a rite of passage when growing up to have to pick up the house phone, call a girl you like on her house phone and then ask her mom or dad if she was home or if she could come to the phone. Was that not the most terrifying 10 seconds in your life? Nowadays, every 8 year old has a cell phone and there is no “nightmare parental buffer” to deal with.&nbsp;Of course, as we got older we found the secret to beating the house phone jitters…don’t ask for her phone number, get that AIM screen name. </span></p>
<p><span>My Buddy List kept me busy for hours…unless of course my parents needed to use the phone.</span></p>
<p><span>“Mom, hang up the phone I’m trying to use the computer!”</span></p>
http://www.cardchronicle.com/2015/8/2/9085877/the-cardinal-countdown-34-days-until-kickoffCardinalStrong2015-08-01T18:08:07-04:002015-08-01T18:08:07-04:002015 Position Previews: Offensive Line
<p>I contemplated just using a ouija board to write the preview of the offensive line because, I mean, we're guessing anyway. Might as well have some fun with it. I'm halfway joking of course, but only halfway. The perfect recipe for making it nigh unto impossible to write a position preview: have three players graduate and head on to the NFL, sign multiple junior college players who you admit you'll likely count on right away and only have one of them participate in spring football, have one starter for a portion of the season transfer, praise both true freshman offensive linemen that are already on campus, never mention the second returning starter in any of your public statement about the offensive line, and experiment with multiple offensive line combinations when we did get to see the team play.</p>
<p><b>The Cast</b></p>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Name</td>
<td>Class</td>
<td>Ht</td>
<td>Wt</td>
<td>Position(s)</td>
<td>Games</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Khalil Hunter (JC)</td>
<td>JR</td>
<td>6'4</td>
<td>291</td>
<td>G/T</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/207241/kevin-austin">Kevin Austin</a> (JC)</td>
<td>SO</td>
<td>6'2</td>
<td>286</td>
<td>C/G</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kiola Mahoni (JC)<span> </span>
</td>
<td>JR</td>
<td>6'3</td>
<td>297</td>
<td>C/G</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/202287/tobijah-hughley">Tobijah Hughley</a></td>
<td>SR</td>
<td>6'3</td>
<td>289</td>
<td>C</td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/160690/t-c-klusman">T.C. Klusman</a></td>
<td>JR</td>
<td>6'3</td>
<td>275</td>
<td>C</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/246788/danny-burns">Danny Burns</a></td>
<td>RS FR</td>
<td>6'6</td>
<td>303</td>
<td>G/T</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/246790/lukayus-mcneil">Lukayus McNeil</a></td>
<td>RS FR</td>
<td>6'6</td>
<td>313</td>
<td>G/T</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/160697/pedro-sibiea">Pedro Sibiea</a></td>
<td>JR</td>
<td>6'3</td>
<td>300</td>
<td>C/G</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/202291/skylar-lacy">Skylar Lacy</a></td>
<td>SO</td>
<td>6'6</td>
<td>306</td>
<td>C/G</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/134446/kelby-johnson">Kelby Johnson</a></td>
<td>SR</td>
<td>6'7</td>
<td>292</td>
<td>T</td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/133938/aaron-epps">Aaron Epps</a></td>
<td>SR</td>
<td>6'7</td>
<td>288</td>
<td>T</td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kenny Thomas</td>
<td>FR</td>
<td>6'6</td>
<td>345</td>
<td>G/T</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Geron Christian</td>
<td>FR</td>
<td>6'6</td>
<td>310</td>
<td>G/T</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/79278/chandler-jones">Chandler Jones</a></td>
<td>FR</td>
<td>6'4</td>
<td>300</td>
<td>G/T</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Breaking Down the Battle</strong></p>
<p>The other day I sat and started just scribbling possible offensive line combinations. Remembering that Louisville mostly flips offensive linemen strong and weak side (teams mostly do this to try and get defenses to key on one side and so they only have to emphasize backside technique to the "weak" side linemen). Here's what I came up:</p>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>WT</td>
<td>Aaron Epps</td>
<td>Aaron Epps</td>
<td>Aaron Epps</td>
<td>Aaron Epps</td>
<td>Aaron Epps</td>
<td>Aaron Epps</td>
<td>Aaron Epps</td>
<td>Aaron Epps</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WG</td>
<td>Kiola Mahoni</td>
<td>Pedro Sibiea</td>
<td>Kiola Mahoni</td>
<td>Pedro Sibiea</td>
<td>Kiola Mahoni</td>
<td>Kenny Thomas</td>
<td>Geron Christian</td>
<td>Geron Christian</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>Tobijah Hughley</td>
<td>Kevin Austin</td>
<td>Pedro Sibiea</td>
<td>Kiola Mahoni</td>
<td>Kevin Austin</td>
<td>Kiola Mahoni</td>
<td>Kiola Mahoni</td>
<td>Kevin Austin</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SG</td>
<td>Khalil Hunter</td>
<td>Khalil Hunter</td>
<td>Khalil Hunter</td>
<td>Khalil Hunter</td>
<td>Khalil Hunter</td>
<td>Khalil Hunter</td>
<td>Kenny Thomas</td>
<td>Kenny Thomas</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ST</td>
<td>Kelby Johnson</td>
<td>Kelby Johnson</td>
<td>Kenny Thomas</td>
<td>Kelby Johnson</td>
<td>Kenny Thomas</td>
<td>Kelby Johnson</td>
<td>Khalil Hunter</td>
<td>Khalil Hunter</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>Let me explain my logic above and then you can decide for yourself if it's sound:</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span>Based on Bobby Petrino's comments at ACC Football Kickoff, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/160671/james-burgess">James Burgess</a> saying at ACC Kickoff that he is an offensive lineman that&nbsp;sticks out to him as having had a great&nbsp;spring and summer, and the way he played when taking over the starting role, I can't see anyone but Aaron Epps playing the weak tackle spot this season. And I can't see Epps playing any other position. </span></li>
<li><span>I can't see how Tobijah Hughley is the center in 2015. As I mentioned above, it can't be a&nbsp;coincidence that even though Tobijah Hughley started 12 games last year, Louisville signed three interior junior college offensive linemen and Petrino never seems to mention him as a settled returning piece of the offensive line, and others were given some reps with the first team in the spring. Hughley struggled all year, here's a .gif that captures the essence of his struggles in a single play. </span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="http://giant.gfycat.com/UnrulyBrokenGnatcatcher.gif"></p>
<p>It's a beautiful playact and from this still shot you can see that it is blocked perfectly by everyone...except Hughley.</p>
<p><figure class="e-image">
<img alt="HughleyUnblock" src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_l-eAXZycXPKRxF7yh3M0IQursQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3927046/Screen_Shot_2015-08-01_at_5.34.10_PM.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Because he gets beaten by the nose tackle, Brown can't hit the draw hole running full speed and every defender on the second level has a chance to react and stop him before he scores. This sort of play happened repeatedly in 2015.</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span>All of the praise for Geron Christian and Kenny Thomas, particularly how college ready they seem physically, means they'll have legitimate chances to&nbsp;play early even if they don't start from week one. </span></li>
<li><span>Petrino has also praised the difference in mindset and improvement physically of Pedro Sibiea and Kelby Johnson (who I think everyone thought was a pretty big disappointment last year). </span></li>
</ul>
<div>All of those assumptions combine to make me think the offensive line in Atlanta when Louisville takes the field against Auburn will be Aaron Epps at weak tackle, Kiola Mahoni at weak Guard, Pedro Sibiea at center, Khalil Hunter at strong guard, and Kelby Johnson at strong tackle.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div><b>Breakout Potential</b></div>
<div><br></div>
<div>Redshirt freshman Lukayus McNeil and freshmen Thomas and Christian all have a chance to have immediate impacts on the line. We saw last year that Petrino and Chris Klenakis are not afraid to mix and match linemen if one is struggling. Combine that with how often they went with six offensive linemen (instead of an additional tight end) and you can make a case for any of these three to get on the field quite a bit as freshmen this year and perhaps snag a spot in the lineup for the future.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div><b>Better or Worse than Last Year</b></div>
<div><br></div>
<div>Early on, this unit is not nearly as good as last year. You don't lose two draft picks and a third in an NFL camp without taking steps back. Still, the center and weak tackle positions so often hurt the line last year, that the overall play (especially on zone blocking plays where the center is supposed to slide up after a double team) and pass protection could actually be better right away. Asking them to run block as well as the strong side did when it was <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/201207/josh-miller">John Miller</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/133943/jamon-brown">Jamon Brown</a> is probably asking too much right away.</div>
<div><br></div>
http://www.cardchronicle.com/2015/8/1/9084903/2015-position-previews-offensive-lineMark Ennis2015-08-01T16:00:42-04:002015-08-01T16:00:42-04:002015 Position Previews: Tight Ends
<p>After the 2014 spring football game, I recall thinking <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/111914/gerald-christian" class="sbn-auto-link">Gerald Christian</a> would have huge season based on the way I knew Petrino likes to use his tight ends and how much Petrino seemed to emphasize him in the spring game. That didn't happen. Christian never seemed to get going once the season started, had snaps taken from him by freshman <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/246791/charles-standberry" class="sbn-auto-link">Charles Standberry</a>, and the offensive line's struggles often meant less of a role in the passing game (and just fewer plays overall) for the tight ends. Similar to the situation at receiver, there are pieces to work with even if they're awfully green.</p>
<p><b>The Cast</b></p>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Name</td>
<td>Class</td>
<td>Ht</td>
<td>Wt</td>
<td>Receptions</td>
<td>Yards</td>
<td>TDs</td>
<td>G</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/202295/keith-towbridge" class="sbn-auto-link">Keith Towbridge</a></td>
<td>JR</td>
<td>6'5</td>
<td>261</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>107</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/246793/micky-crum" class="sbn-auto-link">Micky Crum</a></td>
<td>RS FR</td>
<td>6'4</td>
<td>257</td>
<td>-</td>
<td>-</td>
<td>-</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cole Hikutini (JC)</td>
<td>JR</td>
<td>6'5</td>
<td>242</td>
<td>40</td>
<td>658</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Devante Peete (?)</td>
<td>FR</td>
<td>6'6</td>
<td>202</td>
<td>-</td>
<td>-</td>
<td>-</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Breaking Down the Battle</b></p>
<p>Were Towbridge not trying to rehab the same injury that <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/133919/devante-parker" class="sbn-auto-link">DeVante Parker</a> suffered last year, he would be the automatic starter here. He catches the ball well and is a strong, better blocker than Gerald Christian or Charles Standberry was last year. If he comes back full speed, he'll be the guy at least early on. The staff loves Cole Hikutini. Last year's #2 rated JUCO tight end arrived for spring ball but was injured halfway through. Hikutini is said to be fully healed and is closer to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/6029/gary-barnidge" class="sbn-auto-link">Gary Barnidge</a>/<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/6028/scott-kuhn" class="sbn-auto-link">Scott Kuhn</a> style tight end than either Towbridge or Christian. In fact on his video he's almost a big slot receiver. If he's been able to use the summer to get strong and be a competent blocker, he'll push Towbridge.</p>
<p>The rest remains a bit of a mystery. Micky Crum made the most of a redshirt season and has bulked up close to 260 pounds. I thought he looked like a linebacker coming out of high school. If there continues to be issues with Hikutini and Towbridge then he'll be pushed into duty.</p>
<p>After that, the only question is who much <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/160687/griffin-uhl" class="sbn-auto-link">Griffin Uhl</a> is used as a quasi-tight end since he's already a fullback and whether or not Devante Peete will play tight end instead of receiver. If tight end is the plan, then it's hard to see how they don't redshirt him and at least give him a chance to put on weight, get stronger, and have four years of playing time at a mostly &nbsp;new position (but man, if he takes to tight end, he'll be an amazing weapon at 6'6 with such great hands).</p>
<p><b>Breakout Potential</b></p>
<p>You could probably go with any of the three non-freshmen here but I'll say Hikutini for two reasons. First, again, coaches loved him early in spring and I'm not sure there's a better eye for offensive talent than the guys on the Louisville sideline right now. Second he's clearly the fastest of the group and the most natural receiver, so if the overall goal is to replace the production of Parker by committee, a fast, receiving threat working the middle and seams strikes me as the best bet to break out in the new Louisville offense in 2015.</p>
<p><b>Better or Worse Than Last Year</b></p>
<p>I'm going to go out on a limb and say better than last year, or at least more productive, because I have a suspicion that the offensive line will require less tight end help in blocking and allow for more aggressive throws. Maybe it would be more accurate to say the tight end position will be as good as 2014, but it will likely be more productive.</p>
http://www.cardchronicle.com/2015/8/1/9080725/2015-position-previews-tight-endsMark Ennis2015-08-01T08:00:03-04:002015-08-01T08:00:03-04:00The Cardinal Countdown: 35 Days Until Kickoff
<img alt="" src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/47RGYvQ5ttxgJm3Nzgjyme5Pdo8=/0x513:2487x2171/400x267/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46876956/usa-today-7420071.0.jpg" />
<p><span>Two players today wearing #35, and both hailing from Trinity High School. I do declare today shall be known as “Trinity Day” in the state of Kent-.. oh, sorry I don’t have the authority to do that. </span></p>
<p><span>How about we just say its officially 5 weeks until Cardinal Football and call it a wrap??</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span>#35 Conner Kronk <p></p></span></p>
<p><figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OV4tHV4GfnjWk6YQGGCJDXLcFbI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3926044/mtt-logo.0.gif">
</figure>
</p>
<p><span>Class: Sophomore<p></p></span></p>
<p><span>Ht/Wt: 5-11/200<p></p></span></p>
<p><span>Position: Long Snapper<p></p></span></p>
<p><span>Hometown: Louisville, KY (Product of Trinity High School)<p></p></span></p>
<p><span>Twitter: N/A<p></p></span></p>
<p><span>Thoughts: Conner is a state champion from Trinity school, playing on the offensive line for the Rocks during that impressive run they had back in 2011. Conner is listed as a long snapper but I wouldn’t expect him to see the field this season at that position unless some injuries occur. Couldn’t dig up much info on Conner but one thing is for certain…Kronk is a pretty badass last name, especially for a football player. Congratulations on your genealogy Conner, go rep the Kronks to the best of your ability.<p></p></span></p>
<p><span>Sweet Tweet: No twitter for Kronk that I could find, which means it probably doesn’t exist. Don’t want to brag but my detective skills are almost unparalleled considering I’ve beat like 24 of those “Can You Escape” games on my cell phone. Sooooo…yeah, not much getting past me.<p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span>#35 Anthony George <p></p></span></p>
<p><figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " src="https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kaDeULkBTI7y4Z-p0TALlbcOfEU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3926050/mtt-logo.0.gif">
</figure>
</p>
<p><span>Class: RS Junior<p></p></span></p>
<p><span>Ht/Wt: 6-1/190<p></p></span></p>
<p><span>Position: Kicker<p></p></span></p>
<p><span>Hometown: Louisville, KY (Product of Trinity High School)<p></p></span></p>
<p><span>Twitter: N/A<p></p></span></p>
<p><span>Thoughts: George has yet to see the field as a Louisville Cardinal, but as I mentioned in his post last season, we’re just a play or two away from him having to step on the field in a tough situation. I would assume Jon Brown is the backup kicker at this point to Wallace but you never know with these kickers and their psyche. A couple misses from Brown and all the sudden the ball can't find the uprights to save its life, you're calling in a therapist, having his cleats blessed by a priest from the pacific northwest, it's quite the ordeal really...and that’s why you need to have Anthony on deck just in case. </span></p>
<p><span>I remember an article from last year by Jeff Greer that talked about John Wallace and the methods Petrino used in practice. Evidently with Charlie at the helm Wallace would be forced to kick with lots of external noise from other players along with screaming and yelling from the other coaches all to try and distract him, but Petrino prefers to put him in pressure situations (i.e. 2 minute drill) to see how he’ll perform. No crazy noise from the players, no chatter from the coaches, but if he misses he knows Petrino is the first one in his ear. <p></p></span></p>
<p><span>Quick tip for Wallace, Brown and Anthony George. Don’t miss.<p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span>Sweet Tweet: No Twitter for Anthony but I hope he keeps his head on straight during the fall. George, we might need you this year to kick a game winner or two so be ready to go. I can see the headlines now…<p></p></span></p>
<p><span>“By George! Anthony lifts the Cards past NC State”<p></p></span></p>
<p><span>“</span><span><a href="http://www.tonytonitonemusic.com/"><span>Tony! Toni! Toné!</span></a> Anthony's Three Fieldgoals save the Cards in Tallahassee”</span><span><p></p></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span>“</span><span>George-A On My Mind, Anthony’s Field Goal Makes Cards Winners in Atlanta”<p></p></span></p>
http://www.cardchronicle.com/2015/8/1/9083195/the-cardinal-countdown-35-days-until-kickoffCardinalStrong2015-07-31T18:02:12-04:002015-07-31T18:02:12-04:00Ramsey & Rutherford Podcast: Rick Pitino interview and Alabama on the football schedule
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<p>Here's today's show, where John and I talked about the Alabama football schedule news, previewed the Pitt Panthers, and then had Rick Pitino drop by in the final hour to drop all sorts of tasty tidbits about his 2015-16 Louisville basketball team.</p>
<p><iframe src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/217244673&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" height="450" width="100%"></iframe></p>
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http://www.cardchronicle.com/2015/7/31/9082599/ramsey-rutherford-podcast-rick-pitino-interview-and-alabama-on-theMike Rutherford2015-07-31T14:02:52-04:002015-07-31T14:02:52-04:00Friday Afternoon Cardinal News and Notes
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<p>Sure, we're all excited about Sept. 5 and Auburn, but Rob and Lettie Johnson would also like to remind you that Louisville basketball owns the Petersen Events Center. It's never a bad time for that reminder. </p>
<p><a style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i_medium.png" class="photo" alt="I_medium"></a> Louisville's game against Alabama in 2018 (have you guys heard about this?) will be the Crimson Tide's&nbsp;<a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsCFB/status/627160570412699648" target="_blank">7th straight </a>neutral site game to open a season.</p>
<p><a style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i_medium.png" class="photo" alt="I_medium"></a> ESPN's David Hale&nbsp;<a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/83678/acc-mailblog-louisville-rbs-pleated-pants-another-epic-0-0-tie" target="_blank">talks about</a> the Louisville running backs and Kolby Smith's comments on our radio show earlier this week.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><a style="background-color: #eeeeee;" href="https://twitter.com/DavidHaleESPN">@DavidHaleESPN</a> <a style="background-color: #eeeeee;" href="https://twitter.com/ESPN_ACC">@ESPN_ACC</a> In a recent interview UofL's RB coach said this years group will be better than his 2006 group of RB's. Thoughts?</p>
— Chris Person (@cpersonCPT) <a href="https://twitter.com/cpersonCPT/status/626469791193300992">July 29, 2015</a>
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<p><strong>DH</strong>: Louisville RB coach Kolby Smith was the leading rusher on that 2006 team that also included Anthony Allen and Michael Bush and finished 11th nationally in rushing and forth in touchdowns, so he ought to know.</p>
<p>There are some concerns for Louisville though, starting with the O-line. Not including sacks, 23.4 percent of the Cardinals' carries last year went for a loss or no gain, 110th nationally. The blocking needs to get better to take advantage of the talent in the backfield.</p>
<p>When it comes to that talent though, this Louisville unit could be very good.&nbsp;<a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/530360/brandon-radcliff">Brandon Radcliff</a> had a breakthrough season last year and is one of the best tough-yardage backs in the country.&nbsp;<a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/3116648/lj-scott">L.J. Scott</a> is a bruiser who'll see more work this year, too. The real wild card, however, is&nbsp;<a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/3895433/jeremy-smith">Jeremy Smith</a>, the juco transfer who earned raves this spring. He still needs to pick up on protections and blocking, but don't be surprised if he ends up a monster with the ball in his hands.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><a style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i_medium.png" class="photo" alt="I_medium"></a> Louisville is quickly becoming a Power 5 king when it comes to playing a<a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/83703/louisville-continues-to-beef-up-nonconference-schedule" target="_blank"> beefed up non-conference schedule</a>.</p>
<p><a style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i_medium.png" class="photo" alt="I_medium"></a> A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/83670/acc-teams-set-to-begin-fall-practice">quick look </a>at when every ACC team is starting their respective fall camps.</p>
<p>Boston College: Monday, Aug. 10</p>
<p>Clemson: Tuesday, Aug. 4</p>
<p>Duke: Wednesday, Aug. 5</p>
<p>Florida State: Thursday, Aug. 6</p>
<p>Georgia Tech: Saturday, Aug. 1</p>
<p>Louisville: Thursday, Aug. 6</p>
<p>Miami: Thursday, Aug. 6</p>
<p>Pitt: Saturday, Aug. 10</p>
<p>North Carolina: Monday, Aug. 3</p>
<p>NC State: Tuesday, Aug. 4</p>
<p>Syracuse: Sunday, Aug. 9</p>
<p>Virginia: Friday, Aug. 7</p>
<p>Virginia Tech: Friday, Aug. 7</p>
<p>Wake Forest: Thursday, Aug. 6</p>
<p>We are so close to football, you guys.</p>
<p><a style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i_medium.png" class="photo" alt="I_medium"></a> Don't let these fine folks down.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Officially inviting all Card fans to our tailgate in Atlanta! We have something in store for you <a href="https://twitter.com/CrumsRevenge">@CrumsRevenge</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CardChronicle">@CardChronicle</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Jeremy_CSZ">@Jeremy_CSZ</a></p>
— Red Rage Tailgate (@TheRed_Rage) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRed_Rage/status/627105964974579712">July 31, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
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<p><a style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i_medium.png" class="photo" alt="I_medium"></a> With today's commitment from Caleb Tillman, Louisville's 2015 recruiting class now ranks 17th in the country according to Rivals.com.</p>
<p><a style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i_medium.png" class="photo" alt="I_medium"></a> Get to know freshman offensive lineman Geron Christian (Gerald's little brother) better, because he might be seeing the field in his first year as a Cardinal.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RkbC-TPLtts" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p><a style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i_medium.png" class="photo" alt="I_medium"></a> SI&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.si.com/college-basketball/2015/07/31/top-25-recruits-report-ben-simmons-skal-labissiere-jaylen-brown" style="background-color: #ffffff;">looks at</a> how the top 25 recruits from the college hoops class of 2015 (which features no Cardinals) will fit in with their teams this season.</p>
<p><a style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i_medium.png" class="photo" alt="I_medium"></a> YOU STILL HAVE TIME.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Come meet your 2015-2016 Louisville Ladybirds and get your car washed! 11-3 at Dickey's Barbecue Pit. 9900 Linn Station Rd ❤️ </p>
— Sarah Pierce (@Sarah_Jayne01) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sarah_Jayne01/status/627125474985123841">July 31, 2015</a>
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<p><a style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i_medium.png" class="photo" alt="I_medium"></a> Jeff Walz spoke with the media today&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=newssearch&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB0QqQIoADAAahUKEwjzzYbi9oXHAhUKkw0KHYUNAPQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.courier-journal.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fcollege%2Flouisville%2F2015%2F07%2F31%2Flouisville-basketballs-jeff-walz--take-advantage--new-ncaa-womens-rules%2F30939969%2F&ei=2LS7VfOBM4qmNoWbgKAP&usg=AFQjCNGUuk5BzsU2JvXW2are2IuUGclFbg&bvm=bv.99261572,d.eXY" target="_blank">and revealed,</a> among other things, that all members of his top-rated 2015 recruiting class are good to go for the upcoming season.</p>
<p><a style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i_medium.png" class="photo" alt="I_medium"></a> In the last three days I have spent countless hours on the phone to deal with both an overcharge from U-Verse and a health insurance cancellation with Humana. I will be drinking and drinking heavily this evening as a personal reward.</p>
<p><a style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i_medium.png" class="photo" alt="I_medium"></a> Bobby Petrino continues to draw creativity from everywhere,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wdrb.com/story/29676572/crawford-petrino-draws-on-a-wealth-of-history-and-creativity-to-rebuild-louisville-offense" target="_blank">writes Eric Crawford</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"When you're a power team and you have the best players and can overpower people, then that's what you do," Petrino said. "But if you're not that, you have to find different ways to move the ball and try to isolate a defender and give the quarterback a decision to make off of one guy. That's really what the option is, trying to make one guy make a decision, then being able to play off what he does. Some of the things we did last year, like in the Wake Forest game, and when Reggie (Bonnafon) was in early, were based on those philosophies, instead of overpowering people."</p>
<p>If Petrino has ever faced more offensive question marks than he will this season, I'm not sure when or where it has been. His primary receiver has been lost to the NFL Draft, he's working his way through five quarterback candidates to find a starter, and he'll need to rebuild his offensive line.</p>
<p>But when he sat down at ACC Media Days, he seemed energized by the challenge.</p>
<p>The first change has to happen on first down. When he went back over video and statistics from a year ago, he wasn't satisfied with what he saw.</p>
<p>"We weren't where we needed to be," he said. "We've got a lot of work to do. You have to not only be close to 50-50 on first down, but you look at the efficiency. We weren't efficient enough running the ball on first down and not efficient enough on the yards we got per pass attempt. So that means we weren't getting what I call chunk plays. And that's really what was lacking from our offense. We didn't have the long runs or huge throws for touchdowns that we normally have. We've either got to get better at making somebody miss one-on-one running the ball, or better blocking with our receivers. There were a couple of opportunities where it looked like we were going to have a big play and then a receiver didn't get his block or do what he was supposed to do. So it's all 11 guys getting better."</p>
</blockquote>
<p><a style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i_medium.png" class="photo" alt="I_medium"></a> Bobby Petrino will speak at the U of L football kickoff luncheon,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gocards.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/073115aaa.html" target="_blank">which is set for Friday, Aug. 21</a>.</p>
<p><a style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i_medium.png" class="photo" alt="I_medium"></a> Former U of L star Adam Duvall was traded from the San Francisco Giants to the Cincinnati Reds last night as part of the Giants' deal for Mike Leake.</p>
<p><a style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i_medium.png" class="photo" alt="I_medium"></a> A Southern football website has Louisville as&nbsp;<a href="http://sowegalive.com/2015/07/31/southern-football-report-preseason-top-25-team-25-louisville-cardinals/" target="_blank">its No. 25 team</a> for the upcoming season.</p>
<p><a style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1559811/i_medium.png" class="photo" alt="I_medium"></a> And finally ,Ramsey & Rutherford will be coming to you live from 3-6 at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hargrave.edu/admissions/visit/open-house-events" target="_blank">Hargrave Military Academy Open House</a>. Hargrave basketball coach A.W. Hamilton and Luke Hancock will both be in the house, we'll talk about the big football news of the day, and we'll have a conversation with Rick Pitino. Should be the most fun anyone has ever had doing anything. Tune in.</p>
http://www.cardchronicle.com/2015/7/31/9080589/friday-afternoon-cardinal-news-and-notes-louisville-cardinalsMike Rutherford2015-07-31T12:37:06-04:002015-07-31T12:37:06-04:00Louisville football recruiting: Defensive tackle Caleb Tillman commits
<img alt="" src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/p4Ev2UYqWswK94Wpw04MXJmm8v4=/0x543:795x1073/400x267/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46872994/DBG_9353.0.jpg" />
<p>Louisville's recruiting run continues as Alabama defensive lineman Caleb Tillman picks Louisville over Ole Miss, North Carolina, Georgia Tech, Kentucky and others. </p>
<p>Louisville's recruiting surge continued Friday as Dothan, AL defensive lineman Caleb Tillman committed to the Cardinals over a host of schools across the south. Tillman (6'2, 265) is Louisville's 18th commitment for the 2016 class. According to 247Sports, he is a composite three-star prospect and the #21 player in the state of Alabama. Here's a Hudl video of his junior season.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/3322622/highlights/175522383"></iframe></p>
<p>According to his recruiting profiles, Tillman lists offers from Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Kentucky. His "Crystal Ball" as nearly unanimous in favor of him picking North Carolina after he decommitted from Mississippi State recently. At 6'3, 265 he can clearly put on more weight and in the video above you can see he is comfortable playing inside. That should make him a versatile player at say, 6'3 and 285 lbs in Grantham's defense.</p>
<p>With GG Robinson, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/202297/kyle-shortridge">Kyle Shortridge</a>, Drew Bailey, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/219473/de-asian-richardson">Johnny Richardson</a> still having multiple years of eligibility remaining, the defensive line is likely to be well-stocked going forward. Still, Louisville would probably make room for a true, enormous 3-4 nose tackle. His commitment pushes Louisville's class up the #24 in the 247Sports team rankings.</p>
http://www.cardchronicle.com/2015/7/31/9079455/louisville-football-recruiting-defensive-tackle-caleb-tillman-commitsMark Ennis2015-07-31T11:49:31-04:002015-07-31T11:49:31-04:00Louisville football to open 2018 season against Alabama in Orlando
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<p>On Thursday's edition of Ramsey & Rutherford, Tom Jurich referenced some scheduling news in the works that he believed would make Cardinal fans very excited.</p>
<p>I suppose&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/13353093/alabama-crimson-tide-play-louisville-cardinals-2018-season-opener-orlando">this will suffice</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/_/id/333/alabama-crimson-tide">Alabama</a> and&nbsp;<a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/_/id/97/louisville-cardinals">Louisville</a> will open the 2018 season in Orlando's Citrus Bowl, sources told ESPN.</p>
<p>The Crimson Tide and Cardinals have agreed to play Sept. 1, 2018.</p>
<p>Orlando is expected to host a neutral site season opener annually starting in 2016 with Florida State and Ole Miss.</p>
<p>The Louisville-Alabama contest in 2018 continues a long string of neutral site season openers for the Crimson Tide.</p>
<p>Alabama has played neutral site games in six of Nick Saban's eight seasons, including the past three years (2012 vs. Michigan in Arlington, Texas; 2013 vs. Virginia Tech in Atlanta and 2014 vs. West Virginia in Atlanta).</p>
<p>This season, Alabama opens against Wisconsin on Sept. 5 in Arlington. The Crimson Tide also has future neutral site openers in 2016 (vs. USC in Arlington) and 2017 (vs. Florida State in Atlanta).</p>
<p>Louisville also has scheduled future neutral site contests: this season vs. Auburn (Sept. 5 in Atlanta) and 2017 vs. Purdue (in Indianapolis).</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Anyone remember the last time we played the Tide?</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="375" width="500" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/33595516"></iframe></p>
<p>That's right.</p>
http://www.cardchronicle.com/2015/7/31/9079121/louisville-alabama-football-game-2018-orlandoMike Rutherford